Jon Gruden Celebrates Darren Waller’s Stellar Return in Dolphins’ First Win
Jon Gruden might not be on the sidelines this season, but his passion for the NFL remains as strong as ever. The former head coach, now working with Barstool Sports, tuned into the highly anticipated Monday Night Football matchup where the Miami Dolphins played host to the New York Jets. Both teams were desperate for a win, but it was the Dolphins who emerged victorious, clinching a 27-21 triumph for their first victory of the season.
Waller’s Impactful Debut
A pivotal player in this much-needed Dolphins win was veteran tight end Darren Waller. Making his debut for Miami, Waller showcased his talents by catching three passes for 27 yards, including two touchdown receptions. This performance marked a significant moment not just for Waller but also for Gruden, who had a noteworthy hand in his career development.
Back during his tenure with the Oakland Raiders, Gruden signed Waller from the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad. At that point, Waller was an intriguing prospect, emerging from a year-long suspension due to a violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Under Gruden’s guidance, Waller blossomed into one of the league’s premier tight ends. He recorded an impressive 90 receptions for 1,145 yards and three touchdowns in 2019, and followed that up with a Pro Bowl-worthy 2020 season, catching 107 passes for 1,196 yards and nine touchdowns.
A Rollercoaster Journey
However, Waller’s trajectory took a downturn after the 2020 season. He was traded to the New York Giants in 2023, but after just one season, he announced his retirement, missing the entire 2024 campaign. This offseason, the Dolphins acquired Waller’s rights, and the tight end made the decision to come out of retirement. Although he faced challenges in getting back into game shape, his performance against the Jets proved he still has much to offer.
Gruden was quick to express his excitement on social media as Waller made his mark. After the tight end’s first touchdown, Gruden posted, “DARREN FREAKIN’ WALLER, LOVE YOU, BROTHER.” As Waller added another touchdown in the third quarter, Gruden celebrated once more: “DARREN WALLER AGAIN, truly warms my heart seeing this!”
A Promising Future Amidst Challenges
Waller’s contribution was especially crucial considering that the Dolphins had struggled to get production from their tight ends earlier in the season. His ability to step up not only secured a win but also reignited hope for the Dolphins’ offense moving forward. However, the team faces uncertainty after star wide receiver Tyreek Hill sustained a serious injury during the game, casting a shadow over their offensive prospects.
Despite the challenges ahead, Waller’s performance signals a resurgence that could be pivotal for the Dolphins. As Gruden watched proudly, it was clear that the tight end’s journey is far from over, and the NFL has not seen the last of Darren Waller’s impact on the field.
